Just as my friends and I finished lunch at a hotel, a little
distance from my office, it started to pour heavily. When it
became lighter, I decided to ___1___
the drizzle to get to my car, which was parked at my office
three streets away. My friends argued that I should not go since
I was seven months pregnant then. I assured ___2___
that I would be very careful. One of them wanted to come with me
but I insisted that she stayed with another friend who needed
help ___3___ her baby. I
walked out of the hotel and started making my way to the car.
Then at the traffic junction, a van stopped and the passenger
alighted with an umbrella. Before I knew what was happening, he
walked right beside me and told me he would ___4___
me to my destination. I was embarrassed and declined, but he was
very persistent. During our walk, he kept telling me to walk
slowly as the ground was wet. when we got to the car park, I
thanked him and we parted ways. I did not get the ___5___
name and may not even recognize him now. Did he purposely stop
for me ? I will never know.
So how did I pay for this kindness ? I was at home that day ___6___
I noticed two Indian construction workers walking in the heavy
rain. they were probably on their way to the construction site
near my housing estate, which was a long walk in. I went out and
passed them an umbrella. They ___7___
aback by my gesture and I told them they should take the
umbrella and keep it. they were very grateful and like me,
probably wondered why a stranger was offering such kindness. |